Search Results (1,244)

Companilactobacillus farciminis KUJ 25-S was isolated from fermented fish and identified using 16S rRNA gene sequencing with 30.0 g/L of L-LA (L-lactic acid), with 97% LA per sum of DL-LA. The characteristics of LA and its stereoisomers were confirmed using TLC, chiral-HPLC, and enzymatic techniques. Based on various conditions using liquid MRS broth (static condition, glucose 10%, NaCl 5%, 37 °C for 48 h), the highest growth and LA formation of the culture were at a low temperature (25 °C) and decreased at 37, 45, and 55 °C, respectively. The broth could grow and produce acid at an initial pH in the range 4–11, with a low initial pH of 4 promoting the highest LA formation. LA formation and growth were inversely proportional to the NaCl concentration in the 0.5–30% range. High glucose concentrations suppressed LA formation. The growth-promotion effect varied with glucose concentration (5–40%), with the optimum concentration for LA production being 20% glucose. On the other hand, if used in microoxic conditions, the absence of NaCl was more favorable to acidification than the addition of NaCl (5% NaCl). C. farciminis KUJ 25-S was proposed as a suitable method to produce L-LA based on using the appropriate line for further industrial use. Full article

The purpose of this paper is to develop sustainable bio-colored healthcare cotton fabrics using chitosan/pectin layer-by-layer coatings enriched with strawberry pomace extract. Ultrasound-assisted extraction of bioactive compounds from strawberry pomace was optimized using a Box–Behnken experimental design to maximize the total polyphenol content (29.6 mg GAE/g DW). HPLC analysis confirmed the presence and quantity of anthocyanins in the extract obtained under optimized conditions (time: 37 min, ethanol concentration: 48.4%, liquid-to-solid ratio: 40.4 mL/g). This extract was used to enrich chitosan/pectin coatings, and applied onto cotton fabric using a layer-by-layer technique. Among the fabrics with 0, 4, 8, and 12 bilayers of chitosan/pectin coating enriched with extract, the 12-bilayer coated fabric exhibited the best bioactivity: 98.4% antioxidant activity, outstanding antibacterial efficacy, and the highest release of extract over 24 h. The last two properties showed a strong linear correlation with the number of bilayers, adsorbed extract, and weight gain. In vitro cytotoxicity testing proved the non-cytotoxic nature of 12-bilayer fabric extract. Additionally, the performed 12-bilayer coating imparted a natural reddish-brown color, high color strength (K/S = 1.45), and excellent UV protection (UPF 79.4), offering a sustainable, multifunctional approach for obtaining bio-colored cotton fabrics suited for wound dressing and other healthcare applications. Full article

Hyaluronic acid (HA) is a key extracellular biopolymer whose molecular weight (MW) critically determines its physicochemical behaviour and biological functionality. Accurate MW characterization is therefore essential for applications ranging from tissue engineering to medical and cosmetic formulations. Although previous reviews have addressed general aspects of HA, they have only briefly summarized analytical approaches for MW determination. In contrast, the present review provides the first dedicated and comparative analysis of the three most widely used and practically relevant techniques—agarose gel electrophoresis, size-exclusion chromatography coupled with HPLC (SEC-HPLC) and intrinsic viscosity measurements. We examine recent methodological advances, including improved calibration strategies, optimized gel matrices, multi-detector SEC configurations, and updated empirical models for viscometric analysis. Particular emphasis is placed on how these innovations enhance accuracy, reproducibility and applicability across different HA size ranges and sample purities. By critically evaluating the strengths, limitations and sources of analytical bias of each technique, this review offers a consolidated framework to guide researchers and industry professionals in selecting the most appropriate method for reliable MW assessment. Overall, we highlight how methodological refinement is enabling more robust characterization of HA, even in highly polydisperse or complex samples. Full article

Pulsed electric field (PEF) technology represents a promising non-thermal method for enhancing the extraction of bioactive compounds from plant matrices. This study investigated the influence of PEF treatment on the bioactive compounds composition of aqueous extracts obtained after processing blackcurrant, redcurrant, chokeberry, raspberry, and blackberry seeds. The seeds were treated at 8 kV or 10 kV electrode voltage, and 50 kJ/kg energy input, and the resulting extracts were analyzed for total polyphenol content (TPC), antioxidant capacity (ABTS and DPPH assays), anthocyanin composition (HPLC-DAD), and color parameters (L*, a*, b*). The PEF treatment significantly enhanced the release of polyphenols, anthocyanins, and antioxidant compounds, particularly in chokeberry, raspberry, and blackberry seed extracts. Extracts obtained after PEF treatment exhibited higher TPC, in a range between 0.57 and 3.00 mg GAE/g, and higher radical scavenging activity in a range 2.33–35.07 µmol TE/g in ABTS assay and 1.07–12.27 µmol TE/g in DPPH assay. Also, more intense red coloration was determined, confirming that electroporation facilitated pigment and phenolic migration into the aqueous phase. These findings demonstrate that PEF is an efficient and solvent-free intensification technique for the valorization of berry by-products, generating aqueous fractions rich in natural antioxidants and colorants that support circular and sustainable fruit-processing practices. Full article

Background/Objectives: Regardless of the underlying cause, wound infections are among the most common complications associated with wound formation. The increasing prevalence of antibiotic resistance poses significant challenges in wound management. Due to their favorable therapeutic properties, alginate films have recently emerged as promising biomaterials for wound treatment. Methods: The petroleum ether, chloroform, and methanol extracts of the endemic plant Stachys rupestris were prepared using the maceration technique. The antimicrobial activity of the extracts and the extract-loaded alginate film was evaluated by agar well diffusion and microdilution assays, while their antibiofilm activity was assessed by crystal violet staining in microplates. The anti-infective potential was investigated using the Caenorhabditis elegans infection model, the phytochemical composition was analyzed by HPLC-DAD, and cytotoxicity was determined by the MTT assay. The alginate film was prepared by the solvent casting method and characterized using FTIR spectroscopy and light microscopy. Results: All extracts demonstrated antimicrobial activity, with the methanol extract exhibiting the most potent antimicrobial and antibiofilm effects. Quinic acid was identified as the major constituent. Both the methanol extract and the film displayed no cytotoxic effects and showed significant antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. Conclusions: The S. rupestris methanol extract-loaded film exhibited strong antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties, indicating its potential as a valuable therapeutic agent in supporting wound healing. Full article

Molecularly Imprinted Polymer (MIP)-based sensors have gained increasing attention in the field of food safety analysis due to their unique ability to selectively recognize and quantify chemical contaminants and allergens with interesting sensitivity. These synthetic receptors, often referred to as “plastic antibodies,” offer several advantages over conventional analytical methods, including high stability, cost-effectiveness, reusability, and compatibility with miniaturized sensor platforms. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advances in the design, fabrication, and application of MIP-based sensors for the detection of a broad range of food contaminants, including pesticides, antibiotics, mycotoxins, heavy metals, acrylamide, heterocyclic amines, allergens, viruses, and bacteria. Various transduction mechanisms—electrochemical, optical, thermal, and mass-sensitive—are discussed in relation to their integration with MIP recognition elements. The review also highlights the advantages and limitations of MIPs in comparison with traditional techniques such as ELISA and HPLC. Finally, we explore current challenges and emerging trends, including nanomaterial integration, multiplexed detection, and smartphone-based platforms, which are expected to drive future developments toward real-time, point-of-need, and regulatory-compliant food safety monitoring tools. Full article

Pharmaceutical compounds are small, invisible, and biologically powerful molecules that, due to widespread production and consumption, have become part of the environment, causing long-term adverse effects on biota even at low doses. Advances in sensitive and reliable analytical methods have made their detection possible in complex environmental matrices such as wastewater. Given the large number of synthesized pharmaceuticals with various therapeutic purposes, the occurrence of a synergistic effect is to be expected, interfering with their analysis. Therefore, the challenging analysis is often improved through the application of different sample preparation techniques. This paper includes the development of an SPE-HPLC-DAD method for the determination of eleven pharmaceuticals from water samples. To achieve better recoveries for the specified pharmaceutical (sulfamethoxazole) and possibly other components of the mixture, a sulfamethoxazole-imprinted polymer (MIP-SMETOX) was prepared and used in combination with a commercial sorbent (Oasis HLB) for MIP-SPE-HPLC-DAD. After optimization of the extraction conditions, both methods were validated. The LOD was 0.1 to 0.5 µg/L for SPE-HPLC-DAD and 0.1 to 0.25 µg/L for MIP-SPE-HPLC-DAD, depending on the pharmaceuticals. The matrix effect is different (77–196%) for both methods. A decrease in the signal for sulfamethoxazole (77%) was observed with SPE-HPLC-DAD, while MIP-SMETOX as a sorbent is not suitable for procaine (196%), and this is also the highest matrix effect. To extend the data obtained, additional in silico methods were used to gain deeper insights into the nature and strength of the binding interactions. Both methods (with and without MIP) confirmed their purpose by determining various validation performance features, and the final goal of the developed methods was tested using complex wastewater. The MIP-SMETOX produced justified its production, as the MIP-SPE-HPLC-DAD method is generally slightly better than the method using only a commercial sorbent. Full article

The co-culture technique, mimicking natural microbial interactions, has proven to be successful at activating silent biosynthetic gene clusters (BGCs) to produce novel metabolites or enhance the yield of specific metabolites. To effectively decode induction processes, it is critical to have a comprehensive understanding of intermicrobial interactions across both volatile and non-volatile metabolomes. As part of our attempt to uncover structurally unique and biologically active natural products from mangrove endophytic fungi, Phomopsis asparagi DHS-48 was co-cultured with another mangrove fungal strain, Pestalotiopsis sp. HHL-101. The competition interaction of the two strains was investigated using morphology and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and it was discovered that the mycelia of the DHS-48 and HHL-101 compressed and tangled with each other in the co-culture system, forming an interwoven pattern. To profile volatile-mediated chemical interactions during fungal co-culture, headspace solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS-SPME-GC-MS) coupled with orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was adopted. Meanwhile, non-volatile metabolites from both liquid and solid small-scale co-cultures were profiled via HPLC. Two new polyketides, named phaseolorin K (1) and pestaphthalide C (7), together with 11 known compounds (2–6, 8–13), were characterized from solid-state co-cultivation extracts of these two titled strains. Their planar structures were established by analysis of HRMS, MS/MS, and NMR spectroscopic data, while absolute configurations were assigned using ECD calculations. Co-culture feeding experiments demonstrated that DHS-48 exerts antagonistic activity against HHL-101 through altering its hyphal morphology, which mediated enhanced biosynthesis of non-volatile antimicrobial metabolites 5 and 6. Biological assays revealed that compounds 4–6 exhibited potent in vitro cytotoxicity against human cancer cell lines HeLa and HepG2, compared to the positive controls adriamycin and fluorouracil. Compound 2 moderately inhibited the proliferation of ConA-induced T and LPS-induced B murine spleen lymphocytes. Full article

Horse chestnut is a rich source of active compounds that exhibit a variety of biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and vascular sealing properties. The predominant variety is Aesculus hippocastanum L. (White Horse Chestnut), whereas there are limited reports regarding the biological activity, including the antioxidant potential, of the Red Horse Chestnut (Aesculus carnea H.) variety. This study aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the antioxidant activity of extracts from various parts of A. carnea, including leaves, flowers, unripe, and ripe fruit, as well as to assess the total polyphenol content of the plant, given the limited number of published studies on the subject. This section of the study examined the impact of different extraction factors, including the selection of extraction techniques (Soxhlet extraction, maceration, and ultrasound-assisted extraction) and their parameters (time, solvent type, and concentration). During the second stage of the study, extracts exhibiting the highest antioxidant potential underwent phytochemical analysis utilising HPLC, which included specific phenolic acids and flavonoids. Analyses conducted revealed that extracts from unripe fruits, particularly those prepared in concentrated ethanol using the Soxhlet apparatus, exhibited the highest antioxidant potential and polyphenolic compound content. Notable findings include myricetin (322.281 ± 6.941 mg), 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (25.360 ± 0.525 mg), ferulic acid (62.690 ± 1.350 mg), epicatechin gallate (2.950 ± 0.064 mg), 2-hydroxycinnamic acid (2.013 ± 0.043 mg), ellagic acid (1.735 ± 0.037 mg), and quercetin (1.636 ± 0.037 mg). The antioxidant activity of extracts from unripe fruit, assessed using the DPPH^• method, ranged from 0.31 to 3.38 [mg ascorbic acid g⁻¹ of fresh raw material]. The results obtained suggest that red horse chestnut, with its significant levels of compounds exhibiting antioxidant potential, such as polyphenols, could serve as a valuable raw material for the pharmaceutical and cosmetics sectors. Full article

Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon Aiton), a traditional berry crop cultivated in North America, is appreciated for its high amounts of bioactive compounds and polyphenols. The exploration of its cultivation in different geographic areas may support crop diversification and sustainable production of fruits and derived products rich in health-promoting molecules. The present research evaluated the antioxidant capacity, phytochemical profile, and nutritive composition of the ‘Pilgrim’ cranberry cultivar grown in soilless conditions in Northwestern Italy (Bra, Piemonte Region), compared to a reference sample from North America (Canada). Physical–chemical parameters such as weight, fruit size, titratable acidity, and total soluble solids were considered. Additionally, anthocyanins, total phenolics, antioxidant capacity, and proanthocyanidins (PACs) were evaluated using spectrophotometric protocols. Chromatographic techniques (HPLC-MS/MS and HPLC-DAD) were used for detailed profiling of phenolic acids, flavonoids, vitamin C, sugars, organic acids, and PAC types (A- and B-type dimers and trimers). The results highlighted that Italian-grown cranberry fruits, although smaller, showed significantly higher levels of PACs (+61%), anthocyanins (+58%), total polyphenolic compounds (+48%), and antioxidant capacity than North American ones. This may be due to the inhibition of fruit growth by elevated temperatures, resulting in a better synthesis of antioxidants and bioactive compounds. This study may promote the cultivation of cranberries in different climatic regions, as a complementary strategy to international imports, and improve the production of new food applications with a high content of health-promoting molecules. Additionally, the production of antioxidants in plants under challenging conditions may potentially stimulate further studies to address climate change and investigate crop diversification. Full article

This article presents the results of a comprehensive material analysis of medieval decorative bands from two different excavations in present-day Poland, specifically from early medieval cemeteries in Gródek upon the Bug River and Pień. The bands are complex materials composed of various fibres and precious metals, dyed with natural dyes using recipes that are often unknown today. They represent rare archaeological finds, challenging to analyse not only due to the complexity of their structure and materials but also because of significant deterioration caused by exposure to environmental conditions and harmful substances present in the burial soil. Optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) facilitated the identification of raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and ornamentation. SEM coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) was employed to analyse the metal threads, determine their elemental composition, and assess their preservation state. Natural dye identification was performed on selected objects using high-performance liquid chromatography combined with spectrophotometric detectors and tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (HPLC-UV-Vis-ESI-MS/MS). The analysis of these results enabled drawing conclusions regarding the origin of the bands and their manufacturing methods. The dating of the bands, based on ornamentation and manufacturing techniques, was confirmed by radiocarbon dating, indicating they date back to the 10th–12th centuries. They were produced using two weaving techniques, a narrow haberdashery loom and a tablet loom, primarily from silk and metal threads—silver and silver-gilt. Some materials consisted of red-dyed silk (using kermes or madder), including a metal thread core. The analysis also provided valuable insights into textile degradation, particularly the corrosion mechanisms affecting the metal threads. Full article

This paper provides a comprehensive phytochemical analysis of extracts obtained from the leaves and roots of Hedysarum semenowii using HPLC/PDA-ESI-QToF/MS-MS techniques. The study identified 53 compounds, with flavones and isoflavones as the primary polyphenols. Notably, flavones were predominant in the leaves, while isoflavones were found mainly in the roots, potentially serving as chemotaxonomic markers. Medicarpin and its glucoside were confirmed in the roots, while mangiferin and its derivatives were identified for the first time in both the roots and leaves. Isoflavones like formononetin, calycosin, and afrormosin, along with their glucosides, were exclusive to the roots. Flavonols such as quercetin and its glycosides were abundant in the aboveground parts. Our study also identified flavones like luteolin, flavanones (naringenin), and chalcones (liquiritigenin) in various parts. Additionally, the phenolic acids gallic and ferulic acids, as well as the organic acids malic and citric acid, were also detected. The extracts demonstrated differential antimicrobial and antifungal activities in a microbroth dilution assay, with the aerial part extracts showing superior efficacy, particularly against Staphylococcus epidermidis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Both aerial and underground parts exhibited comparable antifungal activity against Candida species. Antioxidant activity in the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH^•) radical scavenging test varied significantly, with ethanolic extracts from the aerial parts showing the highest potential (Antioxidant Activity Index (AAI) 2.07 ± 0.13). In contrast, root extracts had consistently low antioxidant activity. The results highlight the aerial parts of H. semenowii as a more promising source of biologically active compounds with antimicrobial and antioxidant properties compared to the roots. Full article

Substantial agro-industrial waste is generated by the food industry, including pistachio green hulls (PGH), which can constitute 40% to 60% of the fresh fruit weight. This by-product contains bioactive functional components, especially phenolic compounds (PCs). An overview of research focused on PCs extracted from PGH is presented, highlighting their chemical composition, extraction methods, compound identification, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities. Extraction techniques such as ultrasound, microwave-assisted extraction, and solid-state fermentation are utilized, with mild organic solvents like water, ethanol, methanol, or their mixtures employed. The quantification of PCs is commonly performed using the Folin–Ciocalteu assay, HCl-Butanol technique, and aluminum chloride colorimetric assays. Furthermore, identification of compounds is generally accomplished through high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or gas chromatography (GC), often coupled with mass spectrometry or photodiode-array detectors to enhance accuracy and reliability. Gallic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, cyanidin, and catechin are the main PCs identified, with their antioxidant activity validated by ABTS (2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), and FRAP (ferric-reducing antioxidant power) assays. Antibacterial effectiveness has been demonstrated against bacteria using disk diffusion and minimum inhibitory concentration methods. These findings indicate potential uses of PGH by-products in the food, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industries, contributing to a circular economy and enhancing agro-industrial waste management. Full article

Accurate and sensitive determination of hormones in biological matrices is essential for clinical diagnostics, therapeutic monitoring, and endocrine research. However, hormone determination presents significant challenges due to their typically low concentrations, complex sample matrices, and structural diversity. In recent years, microextraction techniques have emerged as strategic tools in bioanalytical chemistry, offering advantages in terms of miniaturization, enhanced selectivity, and compatibility with the principles of green analytical chemistry (GAC). This review provides a comprehensive overview of green and emerging microextraction approaches for the determination of steroidal, thyroid, peptide, and other hormones in biological samples. Key techniques such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction (DLLME), followed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled to diode array detectors (DADs) or mass spectrometry (MS), are critically discussed. Special emphasis is placed on the use of environmentally friendly solvents, such as deep eutectic solvents (DESs), supramolecular solvents (SUPRASs), and advanced sorbents including molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and nanostructured magnetic phases. Applications across various bioanalytical matrices (urine, plasma, serum, saliva, tissues…) are examined in terms of sensitivity, selectivity, and validation parameters. Finally, current challenges, method development gaps, and future directions are highlighted to support the continued advancement of sustainable hormone determination in complex biological systems. Full article

Background: Ziziphus jujuba Mill. var. spinosa (Bunge) Hu ex H. F. Chow. (ZS) is a valuable plant with diverse economic applications, as all its organs contain bioactive secondary metabolites. The seeds, known as Suanzaoren in traditional Chinese medicine, are utilized as both a medicinal and edible resource, while the fruit pulp and leaves serve as significant raw materials in the food industry. Increasing market demand for Suanzaoren has led to expanded cultivation, though current production practices emphasize seed utilization, resulting in the underutilization of pulp and leaf tissues. In agricultural systems, developing elite varieties is an effective strategy for enhancing crop yield and quality. Breeding initiatives should establish specific objectives aligned with particular end uses, such as seed, pulp, or leaf production. Germplasm serves as the foundational material for breeding programs, so its selection must correspond to intended applications. Evaluating existing germplasm resources based on chemical composition profiles will provide a basis for developing improved ZS varieties. Objective: This study aimed to systematically compare the characteristic chemical composition in the seeds, pulp, and leaves of ZS. By quantifying key chemical components—such as flavonoid glycosides and saponins in seeds, organic acids and phenolic compounds in pulp, and flavonol glycosides and phenolic acids in leaves—we evaluated the quality of ZS germplasm resources. The resulting compositional profiles provide a concrete basis for selecting and breeding elite cultivars tailored to specific end uses, including seed, pulp, or leaf production. Methods: Chemical characterization was performed using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS/MS). Quantitative analysis of chemical composition was conducted using high-performance liquid chromatography with evaporative light scattering detection (HPLC-ELSD). Multivariate statistical analyses—including principal component analysis (PCA), orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA), and entropy-weighted technique for order preference by similarity to an ideal solution (entropy-weighted TOPSIS)(EWT)—were employed for comprehensive data evaluation. Results: A comprehensive phytochemical analysis of Ziziphi spinosae (ZS) was conducted, identifying 144 distinct compounds across the seeds, pulp, and leaves. Of these, 114 were found in the seeds, 84 in the leaves, and 79 in the pulp. The seeds were particularly rich in flavonoid glycosides, such as spinosin and 6‴-feruloylspinosin, as well as saponins like jujuboside A and B. The pulp was dominated by organic acids, including citric acid, and phenolic compounds, while the leaves were abundant in flavonol glycosides, including rutin, and phenolic acids such as isochlorogenic acid B. Based on the chemical composition profiles, the ZS germplasms were evaluated for specific applications. ZS24, ZS22, and ZS3 were identified as the most suitable for seed production, ZS3, ZS6, and ZS9 for pulp utilization, and ZS20, ZS3, and ZS18 for leaf-based applications. With respect to the integrated utilization of multiple plant parts (roots, stems, and leaves), ZS6, ZS3, and ZS24 demonstrated the highest potential. Conclusions: The identification of superior germplasm resources provides strategic direction for the breeding of elite ZS cultivars. These findings will enable the comprehensive utilization of ZS plant resources and support the high-quality development of related industries. Full article